One central Kentucky woman has improved children’s futures for 10 years as a CASA volunteer

CASA Volunteer Judy Papania

Every year in central Kentucky, hundreds of children suffer abuse and neglect. Those children then experience instability and uncertainty about their futures as their cases move through the family court system.

One Woodford County woman has been making a difference in this system, one child at a time, for more than 10 years.

“I have had many different cases,” said Judy Papania, who has been a CASA advocate since early 2014. “The one common theme has been that the children did not deserve what they were going through. They were innocent participants and needed to be protected.”

As a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, Papania is matched with abused and neglected children. She visits them regularly, gaining a deep understanding of their lives. Then, she shares what she learns with the court, enabling the judge to make more informed decisions and get better outcomes for the children.

“It was my job to help protect them by following their medical, educational and social needs, and advocating for their best interests — how their lives can be improved today and also for the future,” Papania said.

Papania has advocated for 10 children during her years as a CASA volunteer. Her current Volunteer Manager Jennifer Lamb said in her most recent case, Papania has shown remarkable dedication to helping the sibling set for whom she advocates.

“Judy has faithfully visited the children in her case and advocated for services and stability for the children,” Lamb said. “She keeps meticulous notes and when questions arise in court, she is able to provide much-needed information to the judge. These children certainly have one of the most dedicated, passionate advocates anyone could want.”

Papania said she has greatly enjoyed being part of the CASA community.

“It is a great organization with many dedicated staff and volunteers,” she said. “It is definitely one of the most rewarding things I have done.”

For more information about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

Hundreds of central Kentucky children continue to suffer abuse and neglect every year. But there are also hundreds of CASA volunteers – regular people who volunteer to make things better for those children.

“New CASA volunteers are needed desperately right now,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. “There are many children who need a CASA volunteer but cannot have one until we train more. We have the training available and the support staff in place to add several dozen new volunteers, who can go to work immediately helping these children.

“All we need are people with a heart for helping children.”

CASA of Lexington’s summer training class for new CASA volunteers runs the week of June 24-28. Classes are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday. Jamison said there are many seats still available.

“Our summer training lets new volunteers complete their required 30-hour class in a single week. Then, we match the new volunteers with abused and neglected children who need someone looking out for their best interests,” Jamison said.

Once matched with a child, a CASA volunteer visits the child monthly. The volunteer gathers information about the child’s situation and writes reports for each hearing in the child’s case. Volunteers’ reports can help get children more services, experience more stability and find safe, permanent homes fast.

CASA volunteers give 5-10 hours a month on average and commit to serving for a minimum of two years.

“It’s truly remarkable the positive change you can create with less time in a month than you probably spend watching TV in a week,” Jamison said. “Your CASA child may go on to live a far happier and healthier life because you were there to show them someone cared and advocate for their needs.”

If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, you can learn more, fill out a volunteer application or view upcoming training schedules.

CASA volunteers who won 2023 Presidential Volunteer Service Awards pose for a photo with Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton, members of the Urban County Council, CASA staff and board members, and Fayette County’s four family court judges.

Forty-four of Fayette County’s most dedicated volunteers were honored for earning Presidential Volunteer Service Awards during the Urban County Council’s meeting Thursday.

The volunteers give their time to help abused and neglected children through CASA of Lexington. In 2023, the 44 award recipients combined to volunteer for more than 10,000 hours.

“Kentucky is among the worst states in the nation when it comes to the number of new abuse and neglect cases each year. Our family court system is filled with cases of children who deserve a stable, loving home, but are instead navigating a world filled with chaos and uncertainty,” Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said during the presentation of the awards. “In 2023 alone, more than 440 Fayette County children had someone looking out for their best interests: They had a CASA volunteer.”

A record three CASA volunteers earned Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Awards, the highest tier awarded through the program, for volunteering more than 500 hours each in 2023: Debra Gabbard, Brittney Thomas and Jan Colbert.

CASA volunteers Jan Colbert, Debra Gabbard and Brittney Thomas earned Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Awards for volunteering more than 500 hours each in 2023. Between the three, they gave more than 2,100 hours last year to help abused and neglected children.

Eleven CASA volunteers earned Silver PVSAs for volunteering more than 250 hours: Jane Bennington, Julie Creech, April Jilbert, Gretchen LaGodna, Nick Luddy, Elise Melrood, Cynthia Phillips, Barbara Phipps, Susan Schwalbach, Fawn Torkelson and Herb Toews III.

And 30 CASA volunteers earned Bronze PVSAs for volunteering more than 100 hours: Alex Allouch, Stuart Bennett, Megan Campbell, Barbie Carter, Jenn Cathey, Jane Crickard, Ava Crow, Kathy Edwards, Meredith Feiertag, Anne Flynn, Katy Grubb, Michael Hale, Jill Johnson, Anna Jones, Rita Klein, Kim Lyon, Tracey Meyers, Patty Overing, Heather Padilla, Kayla Pelphrey, Nancy Potter, Terri Potter, Pat Riddell, Rene Saner, Maquel Sarantakos, Sally Schneider, Jessica Schroeder, Dave Sevigny, Susan Stewart and Mary Woodward.

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who need an advocate. Each volunteer visits their child monthly, talks to adults in their child's life and reviews medical and educational records. While volunteers can go above and beyond like the PVSA recipients, on average a CASA volunteer contributes between 5 and 10 hours a month.

CASA volunteers' reports help family court judges make more informed decisions and can lead to improved outcomes for children, including more services they need to thrive and shorter times in the system.

In Fayette County in 2023, 894 children suffered documented abuse or neglect and there were likely more than 1,700 children with open family court cases. Fayette County currently has enough CASA volunteers to serve about 25% of these children.

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can learn more, fill out an application and view schedules for training classes at www.casaoflexington.org.

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CASA Volunteer Peggy Entrekin

Woodford County CASA Volunteer Peggy Entrekin is a Volunteer of the Month for the region. Woodford volunteers have now claimed the Volunteer of the Month honor in CASA of Lexington’s seven-county service area twice in 2024.

Entrekin is celebrating her five-year “CASA-versary” this month and has advocated for five abused or neglected children during that time. The former teacher and nonprofit executive director became a CASA volunteer after she read an article in her local newspaper.

“It’s been very rewarding. I’ve really enjoyed all the families and children that I’ve worked with,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed seeing the children wind up in better situations.”

Woodford County’s CASA Volunteer Manager Heather Porter nominated Entrekin for the award.

“Peggy has advocated for her CASA children’s best interests at school, in their foster homes and within the court system,” Porter said. “Her greatest impact has been as a consistent presence for the kids. They know she is willing to listen to their concerns and their hopes, and they continually reach out to her when they need to talk.

“Peggy’s consistency and listening ear have provided stability for children in an often uncertain situation.”

CASA volunteers give 5-10 hours a month to advocate for an abused or neglected child in the local family court system. Each volunteer visits their child monthly, talks to adults in the child’s life, reviews records and writes reports.

CASA reports regularly provide information no one else in court has and identify where a child’s needs have been forgotten or overlooked. Children who receive a CASA volunteer can do better in school, receive more services and return to safe, permanent homes faster.

“I see the need to fill the gap,” Entrekin said. “We have the courts and the (attorneys) and the social workers and the foster families, but there is still a big gap for the kids. There is a need and anyone who becomes a CASA volunteer will find it very rewarding.”

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can learn more by visiting www.casaoflexington.org, calling (859) 246-4313 or emailing info@casaoflexington.org. You can see upcoming training classes for new volunteers at www.casaoflexington.org/training.

CASA Volunteer Patty Overing

After Patty Overing retired from her career in banking, she began putting more time into her hobbies and family. But she also wanted to do something else with her newly freed schedule.

“I was looking for something to do with my time volunteer-wise — a way to serve,” she said.

Overing had heard about Court-Appointed Special Advocates because her bank contributed to the United Way, which funded a CASA program. But she had not learned what CASA volunteers do.

Overing learned how CASA volunteers visit with children who are involved in family court cases, but are not tasked with escorting or overseeing the children. And she learned how CASA volunteers’ reports often reveal important information no one else in court knows and help change the course of the children’s cases.

So, she signed up, went through training and became a CASA volunteer. Today, she is one of CASA of Lexington’s longest-serving volunteers, having advocated for 12 children over the course of about five and a half years. She is also a CASA of Lexington Volunteer of the Month for May.

Overing’s Volunteer Manager Dennis Stutsman nominated her for Volunteer of the Month.

“Patty is always looking for the best ways to help meet the needs of her CASA kids,” Stutsman said. “She is especially good at working with caregivers to ratchet up their engagement, enriching the lives of the children they care for.”

Overing said she has seen firsthand how resilient children can be and how beneficial it is to them to have a CASA volunteer who brings positivity and hope.

“My time as a CASA volunteer has been varied and interesting,” she said. “It’s nice to try to develop that relationship with a child or children, to get them to trust you and open up. It’s nice to show them that you’re reliable — that month after month, I am going to show up and be there for them, even if they move.”

Overing said she still remembers the surprise on the face of one of her CASA children when he had been moved to a new home and she still showed up for a visit.

“It’s a needed and valuable contribution that pretty much anyone can make in the life of a child,” she said. “I can really give them something to look forward to with my visit each month.”

CASA of Lexington has been given the Health Partner of the Year award by Heart of Kentucky United Way. The nonprofit received the award for rapidly growing the CASA program serving children in Garrard and Lincoln counties.

"Many have heard of CASA but do not realize all the work this agency does," said award presenter John Funkhouser during the awards luncheon on Thursday. "Today we are honoring CASA of Lexington, which runs the Garrard and Lincoln County CASA programs, for the intense growth in volunteers and thus cases they are able to serve. In less than two years, this program is now serving over 30 children, with 20-plus volunteers in Garrard and Lincoln counties."

Funkhouser shared how Heart of Kentucky United Way funding enabled CASA of Lexington to provide a CASA volunteer for one young boy who was experiencing environmental and educational neglect.

"(That boy) is now thriving in school. He hopes to be able to be reunified with his mother next year," Funkhouser said. "Congratulations and thank you to CASA of Lexington for changing the trajectory of our most vulnerable."

CASA volunteers are community members with a heart for helping children. They are matched with abused and neglected children in the local family court system. CASA volunteers serve as consistent, positive adult role models in children's lives, and as strong advocates for the children's needs.

CASA reports can help judges make more informed decisions, ensure a child's needs are prioritized, and help resolve cases with positive outcomes faster.

"We started from essentially square one in Garrard and Lincoln counties. But thanks to incredible community members who jumped at the chance to help children, this program has not just grown, but become the fastest growing CASA program for its population size in the state," said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director. "The level of commitment to helping children in need in this community is truly second-to-none."

If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, a training class for Garrard and Lincoln counties will be offered at the Garrard Education Center in Lancaster starting on June 4, with classes on evenings and weekends. You can learn more about CASA volunteer training and apply to become a CASA volunteer at www.casaoflexington.org.

Jessamine County Judge-Executive David West, front left, presents Jessamine County CASA Volunteer Kellye Cole with her Presidential Volunteer Service Award at Tuesday’s Jessamine Fiscal Court meeting.

Ten Jessamine County CASA volunteers have been honored for earning the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. 

The award recognizes volunteers nationally for contributing large numbers of hours to worthy causes. Together, Jessamine’s 10 award recipients gave 2,094 hours to their work with the CASA program in 2023, advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the family court system.  

Jessamine County Judge-Executive David West and county magistrates recognized the volunteers at Tuesday’s fiscal court meeting. They presented the PVSA to one of the volunteers who was able to attend, Kellye Cole. 

Six of the volunteers gave more than 100 hours each and received the Bronze PVSA: Anna Jones, Cole, Alex Allouch, Maquel Sarantakos, Barbie Carter and Charlene Floyd. 

Four volunteers invested more than 250 hours and received the Silver PVSA: April Jilbert, Herb Toews III, Julie Creech and Julie Turner. 

The volunteers each received a pin or medallion based on the level of their award, a certificate, and a letter of thanks signed by the U.S. President. 

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who need an advocate. Each volunteer visits their child monthly, talks to adults in their child's life and reviews medical and educational records. While volunteers can go above and beyond like the PVSA recipients, on average a CASA volunteer contributes between 5 and 10 hours a month. 

CASA volunteers' reports help family court judges make more informed decisions and can lead to improved outcomes for children, including more services they need to thrive and shorter times in the system. 

In Jessamine County in 2023, there were 236 new cases of child abuse or neglect and likely more than 470 children with open family court cases. The 57 children served by Scott County’s 24 volunteers represent about 12% of the total children with cases. 

“I think that’s staggering. We don’t often hear about it with family court being closed, but we at CASA are working to break that cycle,” CASA Executive Director Melynda Jamison said after the award ceremony. “We can only do that work with the volunteers. So they are really the lifeblood of our organization.” 

Jamison said CASA is grateful to Jessamine Fiscal Court and the City of Nicholasville for providing funding for the CASA program. 

“Without their funding, Jessamine County couldn’t have a CASA program, and these volunteers couldn’t invest so much time in Jessamine County children,” Jamison said. 

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can email jessaminecounty@casaoflexington.org or call (859) 484-6554 for more information. A regional training for new volunteers will be held in Lexington, June 24-28. You can see the schedules for all upcoming trainings at www.casaoflexington.org/training. 

Eight Scott County CASA volunteers have been honored for earning the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. 

Scott Judge-Executive Joe Pat Covington, Georgetown Mayor Burney Jenkins and Family Court Judge William J. Fooks presented the awards during the Bourbon County Fiscal Court Meeting Friday. 

Together, the eight volunteers gave 1,525 hours to their work with the Scott County CASA program in 2023, advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the Scott County Family Court system. 

Seven of the volunteers gave more than 100 hours each and received the Bronze PVSA: Deborah Birdwhistell, Bev Chandler, Stephanie Deahl, Roxana del Campo, Carrie Gordy, Kim Lyon and Debbie Rurik-Goodwin. 

One volunteer invested more than 250 hours and received the Silver PVSA: Cynthia Phillips. 

Phillips has been a CASA volunteer for around 16 years – longer than there has been a CASA program in Scott County, said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director. Phillips began volunteering with the Fayette County CASA program in the 2000s. She was thrilled when the CASA program expanded to serve Scott in 2020, Jamison explained. 

Phillips received a standing ovation when she received her award. 

The volunteers each received a pin or medallion based on the level of their award, a certificate, and a letter of thanks signed by the U.S. President. 

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who need an advocate. Each volunteer visits their child monthly, talks to adults in their child's life and reviews medical and educational records. While volunteers can go above and beyond like the PVSA recipients, on average a CASA volunteer contributes between 5 and 10 hours a month. 

CASA volunteers' reports help family court judges make more informed decisions and can lead to improved outcomes for children, including more services they need to thrive and shorter times in the system. 

In Scott County in 2023, there were 284 new cases of child abuse or neglect and likely more than 560 children with open family court cases. The 69 children served by Scott County’s 29 volunteers represent about 12% of the total children with cases. 

“I think that’s staggering. We don’t often hear about it with family court being closed, but we at CASA are working to break that cycle,” Jamison said. “We can only do that work with the volunteers. So they are really the lifeblood of our organization.” 

Jamison thanked Scott County and Georgetown officials for funding the CASA program, making it possible for so many children’s lives to be changed. 

Covington said he was glad to be honoring the “CASA dream team” and local officials appreciate everything the CASA program does for abused and neglected children. 

“This is a team approach with the city and the joint funding is what makes it happen,” Covington said. 

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can email scottcounty@casaoflexington.org or call (502) 519-7122 for more information. A regional training for new volunteers will be held in Lexington June 24-28. You can see the schedules for all upcoming trainings at www.casaoflexington.org/training. 

CASA Executive Director Melynda Jamison, Friend of CASA Cassie Bottoms, CASA Volunteer Judy Papania, CASA Volunteer Priscilla Miller, and Stanford Mayor Dalton Miller take a photo together after Bottoms, Papania and Priscilla Miller were presented with Presidential Volunteer Service Awards at the Stanford City Council meeting.

Six volunteers with Lincoln County's CASA program have been honored for earning the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. 

"These six volunteers represent several firsts for Lincoln County and CASA in the region," said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director. "These are the first six Lincoln County CASA volunteers to ever earn the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, which requires investing a truly impressive amount of time in improving children's lives. 

"They also include our first ever CASA volunteer to earn a Gold-level award outside of Fayette County and our first ever Friend of CASA to earn an award." 

The volunteers were honored at Stanford's City Council meeting Thursday night, where Mayor Dalton Miller helped Jamison present them with their awards. Stanford helps fund the Lincoln County CASA program, which provides volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children in the family court system. 

"They're just another voice for the children," Miller said. "They hold the courts and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services accountable." 

The six 2023 PVSA recipients are: 

• Priscilla Miller, who earned the Gold PVSA for volunteering for more than 500 hours; 

• Judy Papania, who earned the Silver PVSA for volunteering for more than 250 hours; 

• Ava Crow, Anne Flynn and Ruth Putnam, who earned the Bronze PVSA for volunteering for more than 100 hours; and 

• Cassie Bottoms, who earned the Bronze PVSA for volunteering as a Friend of CASA for more than 100 hours. 

Each volunteer received a pin, medallion or medal based on the level of their award; a certificate and a letter of thanks signed by the U.S. President. 

Lincoln County's CASA volunteers advocated for 12 abused and neglected children during 2023. During that year, there were 134 new victims of abuse or neglect in Lincoln County and likely more than 260 children with open family court cases. 

"So we definitely need to serve a lot more children and we're working to grow," Jamison said. "But those that are serving here have really been instrumental and have been putting the hours in to work with Lincoln County youth." 

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who need an advocate. Each volunteer visits their child monthly, talks to adults in their child's life and reviews medical and educational records. While volunteers can go above and beyond like the PVSA recipients, on average a CASA volunteer contributes between 5 and 10 hours a month. 

CASA volunteers' reports help family court judges make more informed decisions and can lead to improved outcomes for children, including more services they need to thrive and shorter times in the system. 

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can email lincolncounty@casaoflexington.org or call (606) 442-1355 for more information. A training for new volunteers in Lincoln and Garrard counties begins June 4 in Garrard County; and a regional training for new volunteers will be held in Lexington June 24-28. You can see the schedules for all upcoming trainings at www.casaoflexington.org/training.

CASA Volunteer Bev Chandler

A Georgetown woman has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for her advocacy on behalf of abused and neglected children.

Bev Chandler has served as a CASA volunteer in Scott County for just over a year. She has been the voice for two children in the local family court system during that time.

Chandler, who works at Toyota, said she learned about what CASA volunteers do over the summer of 2022 and her interest was sparked.

“I felt like I had a lot to offer a child and could commit to the monthly visits and regular court hearings,” she said. “Toyota gives me the flexibility to support my kiddos in-person or at court.”

Chandler was nominated for CASA Volunteer of the Month by Sarah Fightmaster, who served as her Volunteer Manager.

Bev is a wonderful mentor and role model for the children she serves. She is a fierce and passionate advocate and I’m so thankful that two children have her as a CASA volunteer,” Fightmaster said. “Her detail-oriented approach was essential to moving forward her children’s cases. Her CASA children now have more security knowing they’re closer to permanency in a safe, protective home.”

Chandler said one child she has advocated for was moved between six different placements within a year.

“I have been a consistent presence for her, which has helped her trust me enough to open up about her past challenges and future goals,” Chandler said. “I am so proud of her progress!”

Each CASA volunteer completes a 30-hour training class prior to being assigned a case. Once their training is complete, they are matched with a child who has suffered abuse or neglect and they visit the child every month.

The CASA volunteer also talks to adults in the child’s life and reviews medical and educational records. They provide reports to the judge on the case that identify unmet needs and advocate for the best interests of the child.

CASA volunteers can help reunify or keep together families whenever it is safely possible. They can also spur action to get kids educational services or medical treatment, preventing them from falling through the cracks.

“Being able to build a relationship with kiddos who have not had a good start in life has been so rewarding,” Chandler said. “Seeing them enjoy extracurricular activities for the first time or talk to me about their plans makes every second of my time worth it.

“They have gone from being neglected to thriving in safe places where their needs are being met. I have volunteered with many organizations in my life and CASA has been the most rewarding volunteer experience I’ve ever had.”

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can view upcoming training schedules at www.casaoflexington.org/training.

CASA Volunteer Julie Turner

An Asbury Theological Seminary student has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for her hard work advocating on behalf of abused and neglected children.

Julie Turner has been a CASA Volunteer for about a year and a half and has advocated for two children in the family court system during that time.

“I was looking for some way to give back, some way to help children who are disadvantaged in some way,” Turner said. “Serving as a CASA volunteer has been exciting, challenging and fun.”

CASA volunteers give 5-10 hours of their time each month to help children who have suffered abuse or neglect. Each volunteer visits their child once a month, often getting to know the child’s situation better than anyone else on the case. The information a volunteer gathers can be vital to ensuring a child gets the services they need and can return to a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible.

Turner said one thing that attracted her to CASA when she was looking for a volunteer opportunity was how CASA volunteers are supported by Volunteer Managers — paid staff who know the ins and outs of the system and guide the volunteers every step of the way.

“I was looking for something where I wasn’t the sole person responsible,” explained Turner, who makes time for volunteering in addition to her classes at Asbury. “I wanted backup. My Volunteer Manager Jennifer has been excellent at that. She is my sounding board. She helps me figure out the right words for my reports or what to say in court. And she finds out answers to things when neither of us know.”

Turner’s Volunteer Manager Jennifer Lamb nominated her for the Volunteer of the Month honor.

“Julie has advocated for trauma-focused therapy, as well as medical and educational follow-ups for her CASA children,” Lamb said. “She has built great connections with the children and very attentive in her interactions with them. The children Julie serves truly need the calming presence she provides.”

CASA volunteers complete a 30-hour training class before being matched with a child. Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer has several training class options coming up. All upcoming CASA volunteer training schedules can be found at www.casaoflexington.org/training.

“I would invite people to look into becoming a CASA volunteer and discover what it’s all about,” Turner said. “It’s one of the hardest things you will do, but also one of the most rewarding and stimulating.”

CASA Volunteer Debbie Rurik-Goodwin

Debbie Rurik-Goodwin had two goals after she retired: Spend time with her grandson and volunteer however she could to make a real difference.

By serving as grant coordinator for the Children’s Charity of the Bluegrass, she learned a lot about some of the best nonprofits in central Kentucky. When she learned about what Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers do, “it struck a chord with me immediately,” she said.

Rurik-Goodwin took a 30-hour training class to become a CASA volunteer, and now after a year volunteering, she has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month.

“Debbie is such a kind and diligent volunteer,” said Sarah Fightmaster, Scott County’s CASA Volunteer Manager. “She is what CASA is all about. She has provided an ongoing source of stability for a child in a volatile case.

“Through all the ups and downs this child has faced, Debbie has been there for her.”

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who have suffered abuse or neglect. Each CASA volunteer visits their CASA child monthly, often getting to know them better than anyone else in the courtroom. The volunteer provides reports about the child’s situation to the judge on the case, allowing the judge to make more informed decisions and getting better outcomes for kids.

“I believe CASA volunteers are so important and effective in these children’s lives because they’re able to spend more time with them and dig deep into what’s really going on in a child’s life and what the child’s needs are,” Rurik-Goodwin said. “I think many people should volunteer as CASA volunteers. There are so many children who need a CASA volunteer and there aren’t enough volunteers to go around.”

Fightmaster said without Rurik-Goodwin on her case, “this would have been an entirely different experience, from the child’s perspective.” Rurik-Goodwin gave her CASA child a voice in court they would not have had otherwise, she said.

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can join the next training class for new CASA volunteers, which begins April 4 with classes on nights and weekends. A full schedule of the training classes is available at www.casaoflexington.org/training.

“I would encourage anybody who has a heart and the time to commit to this to do it. It is so needed for children today,” Rurik-Goodwin said. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I never feel better myself than when I’m giving to somebody else. That’s where my joy comes from.”

CASA Volunteer John Mullins

John Mullins has been a coach his whole life.

“I’ve coached every sport there is — even ice hockey,” he said.

Mullins actually coached his son’s hockey team to state runners-up finishes twice. Mullins has also found another way to help children grow: He serves as a CASA volunteer.

“CASA volunteers are vital. We act as a voice for the children,” Mullins said.

Mullins has served as a CASA volunteer in Lexington for a year, and in Louisville for seven years before that. As a CASA volunteer, he is appointed to children in the family court system who have suffered abuse or neglect. He visits them regularly, talks to adults in their lives and advocates for their best interests in court.

Because of his dedication and passion for helping kids, he has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for March. Bourbon County Volunteer Manager Weida Allen nominated Mullins for the honor.

“John is a very strong advocate for the kids he advocates for in court,” Allen said. “He always visits the children monthly, sometimes twice a month if he feels it is necessary. He has never missed a court date.”

Mullins said being a CASA volunteer isn’t for everyone, but it is a great fit for people who are caring, compassionate, thoughtful and passionate about making a real difference.

“CASA is vital. When I found out about CASA, I said, ‘I’ve got to do this. I’ve got to help with this,’” he said. “I hate to say this, but the court system is broken. That’s why they need CASA volunteers. Your social worker is underpaid, over-worked and under-appreciated. You may see something they don’t see. We have more time than a social worker may have on a case.”

CASA volunteers bring a regular person’s perspective into the courtroom, providing the judge with a lot more detail about what’s going on in a child’s life than they would otherwise have. Just by observing what is happening in a child’s life and providing recommendations to the judge, a CASA volunteer can help ensure a child receives appropriate medical attention, gets educational interventions or even finds a safe, permanent home faster.

“All these children ever want is two things: They want to be loved and they want to have hope,” Mullins said. “If you’re looking for a way to make a difference in a kid’s life — and I mean a real difference — this is it.”

CASA Volunteer of the Month Emma Sandrock

Emma Scott has always made volunteering a part of her life. When she looked  for a way to serve her community in Jessamine County, she discovered the local Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program.

“The CASA training introduced me to some incredible people in our community,” she said.

Scott went through the 30-hour training to become a CASA volunteer, and has now advocated for three abused or neglected children in the local family court system.

Because of her hard work on behalf of children, her Volunteer Manager Cara MacLeod nominated her for CASA Volunteer of the Month in February.

“Emma is great to work with,” MacLeod said. “She has taken the time to build a good connection with her CASA kids and the parents on the case. She is also excellent at gathering records, talking with parties on the case, and independently verifying information.”

CASA volunteers give about 5-10 hours a month doing the work, which includes visiting with their assigned child or children monthly, talking to adults in each child’s life, and writing reports for the judge on the case.

CASA volunteers try to help reunify families whenever possible, or advocate for finding a safe, permanent home when reunification is not safely possible. They can help identify when children aren’t receiving services they need and ensure each child has a voice in court.

“The need is large and it is important,” Scott said. “I have no superhuman powers or any heroic character traits — and you don’t have to either to volunteer. Just by being present and consistent for these children, you can make a difference right where you are.”

CASA Volunteer Brian Collins

When Brian Collins went through a divorce, he saw firsthand how confusing and overwhelming the court system can be — especially for children. Collins decided he wanted to make things easier for others, so he went back to school to study law. He also signed up as a CASA volunteer.

“The term ‘best interests of the child’ is thrown around a lot, but you have a heap of people with a bunch of initials after their names who do not know the child, and they’re making the decisions,” Collins said. “I found CASA because I was trying to find a way to actually include the child in those decisions.

“The courts, attorneys and social workers do what they can. But CASA provides a chance to get to know the families and make recommendations that help advance their real best interests.”

Collins went through CASA volunteer training in the spring of 2023 and was assigned to be the advocate for a pair of young girls. His Volunteer Manager Liz Noffsinger has supported him throughout the case, which is now wrapping up. Noffsinger nominated Collins to be a CASA Volunteer of the month because of the difference he has made on the case.

“He forged a relationship with the parents and was really one of the only parties they would communicate with. His court reports were excellent,” Noffsinger said. “Brian’s sense of humor also can diffuse some uncomfortable situations. And he speaks up in court with confidence.”

Collins has worked as a standup comic and had jobs around the country working with animals, including sea lions, dolphins, whales, monkeys and giant pandas. If you ask him about it all, he’ll open with a joke.

“I am a semi-pro line dancer and underground bunker enthusiast,” he said. “Neither of which is remotely true.”

Collins said he plans to take another CASA case once his current one closes. He said serving as a CASA volunteer has given him a chance to make a meaningful impact on children’s futures.

“The overwhelming majority of these kids are not in their situation by their own making,” he said. “I had an awesome childhood, so I reckon paying it forward is a decent way to spend some time.”

CASA volunteers are matched with abused or neglected children in the family court system. Each CASA volunteer visits their child monthly, talks to adults in the child’s life and writes reports for the judge.

CASA volunteers provide a level of detail about children’s lives that no one else in the courtroom has the time to provide. That helps better inform judges’ decisions, and in many cases leads to more services and better outcomes for children.

It takes about 5-10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer.

Collins said he was worried initially about whether he had the time, but found it was actually easier to do the work than he thought.

“You have the time. When you get into a case and learn about the circumstances, you will find yourself making time,” he said. “When you meet the kids, you will find even more time. A lot of what you will experience is heartbreaking, but you will make a difference. Give it a whirl — I dare you.”

More CASA volunteers are needed to serve abused and neglected children in Lincoln County

Lincoln County resident Priscilla Miller has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for January 2024.

CASA Volunteer Priscilla Miller

Miller has been a CASA volunteer serving abused and neglected children in Lincoln County for a little over a year.

“It has been an amazing journey for me to be able to give back to the community and be able to advocate for a child,” Miller said. “I wasn’t sure if I had the time, but I gave it a try and it has been a bigger blessing for me to give back. And I love it because the CASA family is amazing!”

Jennifer Lamb, Miller’s Volunteer Manager, nominated her for the Volunteer of the Month honor because of how she has supported her CASA child and consistently advocated for his best interests.

“Priscilla has had to make some tough recommendations, but she has always stood firmly behind the facts and having this child’s well-being and safety as her primary concern,” Lamb said. “I have no doubt she will remain in this child’s life and continue to be a source of stability for him.”

CASA volunteers complete a training class and then are matched with children in the local family court system who have suffered abuse or neglect. While social workers and attorneys routinely work dozens of cases at once, CASA volunteers can focus in on one case at a time, volunteering for about 5-10 hours a month.

“The work I do with CASA is valuable because I provide the communication the judge would never get from the child,” Miller said. “A lot of times, the judge never sees the child. As a CASA, I can attach pictures. I can let the judge know who this child actually is. I have that opportunity to speak up for the child.”

The CASA program serving Lincoln and Garrard counties is currently the fastest growing program based on population size in the state.

“Our growth in Lincoln County is essential because our rate of child abuse and neglect is above the state average. That means there are many kids in need of someone to speak up for them right now,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director.

Miller said she strongly recommends others sign up to become CASA volunteers — because of the difference they can make for kids in need, and because of the culture inside the CASA program.

“The atmosphere with CASA is great! It’s a family,” she said. “I’m telling you — you think you can’t do it? Yes, you can. Everybody can be a voice, an advocate for a child. It’s just such a blessing and once you start, the rewards you get back are amazing.”

The next training for new CASA volunteers in Lincoln and Garrard counties begins Jan. 23 in Lancaster. A complete schedule of training dates is available at www.casaoflexington.org/training and you can apply to be a CASA volunteer at www.casaoflexington.org/apply.

More CASA volunteers are needed for abused and neglected children in Woodford County

Versailles resident Fred Thomas has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for January 2024. 

CASA Volunteer Fred Thomas

Thomas, who has been a CASA volunteer since 2019, has advocated for five abused and neglected children in Woodford County Family Court over that time.

“I have deep concern for making the world better than I found it,” Thomas said. “CASA has been a huge step forward in that direction.”

As a CASA volunteer, Thomas is matched with children in family court who need someone to listen and speak up for their needs. He visits his CASA child every month, talks to others in the child’s life, and writes reports for the judge on the case. It takes about 5-10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer.

Woodford County CASA Volunteer Manager Heather Porter nominated Thomas for Volunteer of the Month because of how well he connects with the children he serves — and because of a recent court report of his that the judge loved.

“The judge commended Fred's court report during a hearing, noting that she appreciated Fred's ability to clearly state the facts of the case and advocate in an empathetic manner that was considerate of all parties involved,” Porter said.

Thomas is working on his social work degree while he works at the Woodford County Detention Center, where he said he sees people who could have benefited from having CASA volunteers when they were children.

Research has shown that children who receive a CASA volunteer do better in school, have more hope for the future, and are far less likely to re-enter the foster system after their cases close. As a result, they are less at-risk for problems like substance use disorder.

Thomas said serving as a CASA volunteer is one of the best uses of his time.

“I get to be hands-on and actually talk with a child who genuinely needs some help,” he said. “I also find myself becoming a better person because my CASA kids need me to be — more patient, more kind, more empathetic, just better for the world around me.”

“We need more volunteers like Fred in Woodford County, because there are children in family court who do not have CASA volunteers currently,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of Woodford’s CASA program. “The course of a child’s life can be changed forever with just a few hours of your time each month.”

If you’re interested in becoming a CASA volunteer in Woodford County, you can learn more at www.casaoflexington.org or by emailing woodfordcounty@casaoflexington.org.

Seats are still available in the next training for new CASA volunteers serving in Lincoln and Garrard counties. The training classes begin Jan. 23 and wrap up March 5, with a graduation ceremony at the end of March.

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who need someone to listen and advocate for their needs. Each CASA volunteer invests about 5-10 hours a month visiting their assigned child, talking to others in the child’s life, writing reports and attending court hearings with their Volunteer Manager.

Children who receive a CASA volunteer have more hope for the future, do better in school and are far less likely to re-enter the foster system after their cases close.

“Garrard and Lincoln counties have the fastest-growing CASA program in the state for their population,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director. “That’s excellent because there are still many more children who have suffered abuse or neglect who need a CASA volunteer. We hope to fill up this training with people who care about the future of Lincoln and Garrard counties so that we can change children’s lives for the better.”

This winter training is specifically for people interested in serving children with Garrard or Lincoln cases. Here is the schedule of classes, which will be held in Lancaster:

• Jan. 23, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

• Jan. 30, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

• Feb. 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Feb. 6, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

• Feb. 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

• Feb. 20, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

• Feb. 27, 5:30-9:00 p.m.

• March 5, 5:30-9:00 p.m.

Court observation and a final interview will be scheduled individually toward the end of the training. The swearing in ceremony for new CASA volunteers will be 5:30 p.m. March 26.

If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, you can apply at www.casaoflexington.org/apply. For more information about CASA in Garrard and Lincoln counties, email garrardcounty@casaoflexington.org or lincolncounty@casaoflexington.org; call (606) 442-1355; or visit www.casaoflexington.org.

Organization is one of seven local CASA programs nationwide to earn the highest tier of recognition 

CASA of Lexington is one of seven local CASA programs in the nation recognized for innovative LGBTQ+ inclusiveness through the All Children All Families program. 

The 2023 All Children All Families report from the Human Rights Campaign was released Dec. 14. It recognizes 172 partner agencies for working to improve LGBTQ+ inclusivity for foster children and families. 

Fifty of those partner agencies, including CASA of Lexington, were recognized at the highest, “Innovative Inclusion” tier. Of those 50, seven are local CASA programs and one is a state CASA organization (Texas CASA). 

“The work we have done at CASA of Lexington to ensure inclusiveness will help save lives. It may have already saved lives,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. “LGBTQ+ children in the family court system face enormous challenges that threaten their well-being. CASA volunteers can come alongside these children, tell them they matter, and advocate for their needs. Research has shown if even one person affirms an LGBTQ+ youth like this, it can make all the difference.” 

According to the 2023 ACAF report, approximately one in three children in foster care identifies as LGBTQ+. And 44% of LGBTQ+ youth in state custody ran away from home or were thrown out for reasons directly related to their identity. LGBTQ+ youth in care report higher rates of mistreatment, more frequent placement disruptions and a higher chance of being placed in residential facilities. 

LGBTQ+ youth, whether in foster care or not, are also at higher risk of contemplating or attempting suicide. Research from The Trevor Project has shown that acceptance from adults is associated with lower rates of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth. 

CASA volunteers visit with their assigned children regularly, talk to adults in the children’s lives and advocate for the children’s best interests in court. They help provide children with hope for the future and get children more services. They also help children return to safe, permanent homes that are far less likely to disrupt. 

“This is what CASA is about: ensuring all children — no matter who they are or how they identify — can have safe homes and grow up to be happy, healthy adults,” Jamison said. “We are proud of what we have been able to accomplish, and we are already working to further improve our inclusive culture moving forward.” 

This is the second year CASA of Lexington has been recognized as an innovative partner through All Children All Families. As an ACAF partner, the organization has reviewed and updated all internal policies to be inclusive, added required training for staff on LGBTQ+ inclusion, increased training options on LGBTQ+ issues for volunteers, added inclusive family benefits for employees, and more. 

Across all 172 partnering agencies, more than 9,500 policies and practices were evaluated in 2023 to ensure they meet best practices criteria. An estimated 1.4 million children, youth and families across 43 states have benefited from these agencies’ work on inclusivity. 

“Providing children and families with the most inclusive environment in which to grow should always be the number-one priority,” said Phii Regis, Director of the All Children All Families program. “We are grateful for CASA of Lexington’s work as part of this partnership. Together, we can win the fight for equality and build safe and loving communities at the same time.” 

You can see the 2023 ACAF report at https://hrc.im/ACAFReport. You can learn more about CASA of Lexington and apply to be a CASA volunteer at www.casaoflexington.org.

The next training class for new CASA volunteers begins in Lexington on Jan. 9, with classes on evenings and weekends in January and February. 

CASA volunteers Jackie Washburn, left, and Susan Isaacs are December’s Volunteers of the Month.

When a new case of child neglect involving six siblings came across Rebecca Brereton-Farr’s desk last year, she knew she would need some special CASA volunteers for the job.

Brereton-Farr, a Volunteer Manager at CASA of Lexington, paired up Jackie Washburn, a veteran CASA volunteer with 15 years of experience, and Susan Isaacs, a new CASA volunteer who was waiting for her first case. Together, they would begin advocating for the children’s best interests.

The results have been amazing.

Jackie and Susan discovered their strengths complemented each other nicely — Jackie brought her experience; Susan brought strong computer skills. Both shared a love of children and a desire to improve their world.

“I feel like I have a new friend,” said Susan, a retired educator and consultant. “I know about her children and her grandchildren. We talk about a lot more than just the case.”

The pair have now spent more than a year as CASA volunteers on the case. They visit the children monthly, talk to adults in the children’s lives, review educational and medical records, and write reports for the judge on the case, leading to better outcomes.

Children who receive CASA volunteers like Jackie and Susan have usually suffered trauma and have little or no stability in their lives. CASA volunteers provide hope that things will get better, advocate for more stability, identify needs that others in court have overlooked, and help return children to safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.

“I want to make sure that all the kids are where they need to be, that they are in a good home,” Jackie said. “And if parents can be that home, and we can help them with that, I like to see reunification as much as possible.”

Because of the excellent work Jackie and Susan have done on their case, they have been named CASA Volunteers of the Month for December 2023.

“Susan and Jackie have been the dynamic duo this case and these kids needed,” said Brereton-Farr. “Susan can navigate the school system and ensure the older children’s educational needs are being met. Jackie can navigate the court system. Both provide a sense of comfort to mom as she works to regain custody and make her own personal progress.”

Brereton-Farr said Susan and Jackie have become a trusted source of information for the judge on the case and helped guide all sides in their case to productive solutions that ultimately help the children.

“I truly believe that without Susan and Jackie on this case, we would not have seen progress and these kids would have just lingered,” Brereton-Farr said.

It takes about 5-10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer. While CASA volunteers always have support from their Volunteer Managers, CASA volunteers who serve on a CASA team also have their partner to bounce ideas off of and share in the highs and lows.

“We talk back and forth to make sure we are on the same page,” Jackie said. “It works very well having two people on this case.”

Susan agreed.

“I had never been to court before; Jackie talked me all through that. I had never done a court report before; Jackie talked me through that,” Susan said. “I’m really relying on her expertise to help me know what to do, what not to do. I’m forever grateful that somebody here had the wisdom to put us together.”

Next CASA Volunteer Training

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can fill out an application at www.casaoflexington.org/apply. You can see upcoming training schedules at www.casaoflexington.org/training. For more information, email info@casaoflexington.org.